It is still "very" possible. I did my training from 2011-2014 while oil prices were at historic highs. I didn't believe in taking on debt for an aviation career. I worked as a Lineman, Fedex Ground, Ebay business, North Dakota oilfields for a year, etc. All of my earnings went into aviation. I spent very little money on anything else.

You have it much easier right now in my opinion. With an Instrument, Commericial and 250 hours you can apply and get hired at Air Choice One in St Louis as a Caravan SIC. With 500 hours you can get hired on as an SIC at numerous different operators. Those opportunities did not exist yet when I was a CFI. You had to have 800 hours before a 135 would hire you.

Don't get me wrong, it is still a big challenge, but if you want it bad enough you can do accomplish a lot.